A family affair: Estes Park's Cirone boys already a team

Imagine your first day of high school. Imagine feeling alone, maybe a bit confused, even a bit intimidated. Yeah, the Cirone boys don't really know this. For starters, two hit high school at the same time, so by the time the younger siblings got there, the trail was blazed.

"Well, the coolest thing, playing sports together, just having that 'We're all on the same team' aspect and playing together every day," says Ben Cirone, dubbed 'the responsible one' by twin Andrew and younger brother Isaak.

Ben and Andrew are seniors at Estes Park High School, while brother Isaak is a sophomore. They have been teammates playing basketball, baseball, soccer and, this season, football. They are a potent trio.

This year, the first year any has played high school football, all have had interceptions, Isaak led the team this year, while Ben returned one for a touchdown against Nederland.

"We just give Ben all the papers," jokes Andrew, the most outgoing of the three. "I just rely on Ben having all the answers, even the homework, since he's in most of my classes."

The three play off of each other, just sitting around. Hand them a ball and it's like magic. On the pitch, football field or basketball court, they have played together long enough that a look or a subtle gesture is enough to communicate a move or a plan. The older twins laid the groundwork. Isaak reaps the benefits.

"I feel like a toddler," explains the youngest brother.

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"They show me the ropes so I don't have to experience the bad stuff first-hand. Feel like I've been hear longer."

Isaak continues, "Tackling everything with three, you don't feel so isolated. Coming in as a freshman I felt comfortable with two guys here as support. With sports, it's cool getting to play with two guys you've had together your whole life." "That's what's most exciting," interjects Andrew. The trio work best together on the basketball court. Their coach, Chad Nachtrieb finds himself trying not to coach the brothers too much, try to let them improvise as only siblings can.

"We've played together since we were little guys," continues Andrew. "Even playing up at (Raven Crest), and now we get to bring it to the Estes gym, which is awesome. Probably the most exciting thing about being in school with the bro's."

"Coming from a school standpoint, if I don't understand something, I go to (Andrew)," explains Ben. "Ace and I do projects and schoolwork together. You always have a buddy to help you out, and that's nice."

The three, of course, have their own competition. They compete with one another as only siblings can. Adding to that, three within three grades of each other, and it can be fierce, but in a good way.

"If your like friends, and all, it's not the same," explains Ben. "Even at home, with sports, it's really competitive."

"We just beat Isaak up at home, so it doesn't matter," Andrew chimes in, "I take it out on Iz when I need to restore some confidence."

"I'm just going to come out like a monster this season," says Isaak.

"We're going to make him a brute," says Andrew.

They have high goals for the upcoming basketball season. They all want to improve, both as individuals and for the team.

"As a legit goal would be win the Patriot League," says Ben. "Obviously, we want to make a dent in state, but for a smaller goal, we want to win the Patriot League."

Isaak points out, "A lot of the top competitors (in the league) lost key players, so we could have the upper hand in returning all five starters."

The goals go beyond basketball, and beyond this year. Ben plans to attend a school on Texas and study to be a jet pilot.

Andrew wants to take his highjumping to the college level, preferably at Colorado State in Fort Collins. He hopes to study fire science or another field that could point him toward a career out of doors.

The twins continue to pick on the youngest, comparing his morning routine to that of their youngest sibling, sister and freshman Ani. Ben and Andrew claim to roll out of bed just in time while Isaak and Ani need a little time to "look pretty." The fun never seems to end.

The three brothers will let the rest of us in on the fun beginning on Dec. 1, when they travel to Denver for the basketball season opener against Machebeuf. The home crowd gets to enjoy the show beginning Tuesday, Dec. 11.